Another wonderful example of a Canoe Tree, located on “Mt Morris” Station.

Aboriginal communities living along the rivers cut the bark from trees to build canoes.

This practice is not uncommon in Australia. Most people know these large “scars” as “Canoe Trees”.

While the bark was still fresh with moisture, it was easily able to be moulded.

The bark was tied into a boat-like shape. Canoes were “steered” by a long pole, similar to what we see today in island communities throughout the world. It is understood, that canoes did not last very long, as the bark eventually gave way to the continual immersing in water.

It is thought that primarily, the canoes were used for fishing, crossing waterways, or travelling downstream and then left when of no further use.

Whatever the reason, to be able to locate a Canoe tree on “Mt Morris” is a wonderful thing to see.

The watercourse it is located on, is purely now, an anabranch of the Langlo River…but then who says the Langlo River is where it used to be? 🙂

Another “Mt Morris” secret revealed exclusively for the first time, here, on this site.

Home grown human protector! Yep, that’s what we have here at home. I have written elsewhere about our resident “Giggard”.

“Giggard” – who is a substantial sized goanna, earned his nick name from our 3-year-old grand-daughter, who for some reason, does not like the word goanna – so “Giggard” it is.

Giggard stands high on his / her back feet and chases our much-loved grand baby across the lawn – needless to say, she runs as fast as she can screaming “Giggard is after me nanny – save me nanny” – so out comes the broom, and Giggard is “persuaded” not to chase or intimidate our granddaughter.

Today though, only a short while ago a sight unravelled, that those rarely are able to see firsthand.

“Giggard” on the hunt”! May 2012

While bringing in the washing, there was a loud rustling in the buffel grass behind me. At first, I thought nothing of it, however, when the dogs started to become rather agitated, and jumped up on their kennels, I thought a look may then be warranted.

As I drew closer to the long moving buffel a sight met me that I most certainly did not expect – there was “Giggard” – not unexpected – however, “Giggard” had a mulga snake of approximately 5 feet in length in its mouth giving it a thrashing!

So off I went for the camera…(I know, it’s a worry! Lol) On my return, the snake was gone – deeper into the buffel grass and “Giggard” was now on the hunt!

A short while later (about 45 mins) while on the veranda, movement I could see out of the corner of my eye – it was the mulga snake, about ½ a foot high with his head in the air heading out of the long buffel grass in a big hurry – however, behind him in the grass was a heck of a lot of movement..”Giggard” had hold of the snake’s tail, and was pulling it back – it appeared late lunch was still on the menu after all!

This time my camera was handy on the table outside – and here are the photographs in order from when “Giggard” lost the snake the first time, to hunting it, catching it, killing it, devouring it and then off to find a spot in the sun before retiring to the shade.

This photo was taken in 1915 on the Langlo River, “Mt Morris” Station Charleville.

Today with much debate regarding the Murray Darling Basin Plan, it appears that our politicians, and arm chair environmentalists, have once again, disregarded the practicing environmentalists of the land. Here, on the left one can see the Langlo River, photographed in 1915. Due to the fact that the photo is black and white, it appears that the river bed is pure silt. This is not the case, it is a hard rock base. Just around the corner of the river bend, is a weir that was constructed in the late 1800’s. Where the photographer is standing, if you can imagine being him / her, to their back the river continues down stream, entering the Warrego River system below Charleville.

There are numerous permanent water holes between “Mt Morris” Station, and where it becomes one with the Warrego River system. If one looks at the map of the Murray Darling Basin, it is here, on “Mt Morris” at this very weir that the system begins – according to the experts…

The beautiful weir, now of not only historical significance, but a high ecological significance, the Qld State Government had issued a Demolition Order over this immensly important weir. The present custodians of this land, our family, took action, and reversed this order to protect our unique bio-diversity and all this encompasses here, successfully.

The Water Rats, Yellowbellie, Spoon Bills and Koala’s just to name a few varieties of life depend on this system – a complete ecosystem revolves around this pivital point on the Langlo River.

The security of stock and domestic water is interwoven in this patchwork of the envionment here at the Station. One depending on the other for over all health, sustainability and ongoing viability of the Station.

This, is beyond dispute, as since settlement in 1866, the Station and all “she” encompasses has stood the test of time.

Come and share a “Mt Morris” experience, and learn from the real practicing envionmentalists – the ones who live with the consequences of their land management practices, you will be surprised at what you learn 🙂 We and our forefathers and mothers, understood the land, we listened…if you visit, and you listen, you will be amazed at what secrets you learn..

Australia’s Annual Rainfall – 1890 to 2011. Indeed, the cycles show in this graphic display of the endless cycle of drought, followed by one or two years of rains. I don’t know why the Queensland floods were a surprise to city folk. Maybe they just haven’t seen this graphic, published by the Queensland Government.

Click on the image below to read about the Queensland drought of 1897 and its impact on Mount Morris Station.

My ancestors have survived the great droughts, the numerous bush fires, the raging floods thanks to our pet “graziers” that have diligently looked after and cared for us since they moved in back in 1866!

Our pet “graziers” also keep those horrible feral pigs and nasty feral dogs away from us..sheesh, they are nasty feral animals, not at all as cute and cuddly as my family!

Anyway, just thought I would say G’Day to all of my mates out there, who knows, you might all come and try to find me out here!

Mount Morris Station is an icon in the Queensland outback. This grazing station sits at the head of the Murray Darling basin on the Langlo River. The station has a unique history, and shows mother nature at her very finest.